Surgery, Birthdays, Oh My!

Update on Madeline ~ Madeline's surgery went very well. The recovery? Not so much. She was unable to eat or drink very much and we ended up having to get her two IVs to rehydrate her twice last week. As of yesterday, she was acting like little Madeline again. It is a breath of fresh air after recovery.

Even though she wasn't 100%, we continued to celebrate her birthday. My friends were awesome telling me different things she was seen eating which made me very happy to hear. Madeline had a wonderful day and thank you to everyone who came, helped prepare, decorate, and celebrate.

Before... 

After...

Why wasn't she eating or drinking? Oh because I realized two days after the surgery that the retractor butchered her tongue. I wouldn't want anything in my mouth either. Super unhappy Momma in the house!

Round 2 of IV fluid during the week of recovery. She was just about to fall asleep (nap time). I am proud that the nurses called her a warrior because she didn't cry nor flinch while getting the IV. 

Two days later, partay! We had crafts that my mom helped facilitate. 

Will working hard.

My dad, Josh, and Steven taking a break.

Piñata time!

Even Madeline's BFF, Ginny came! Yay! 

Josh and Madeline making S'mores!

Baby girl starting to feel so much better! 

Celebrating her birthday at school. 

Last, but not least...Madeline attempted dance for the first time today. Here's a little glimpse on how it went (please ignore any sound, I was outside of the room taping): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W5OW0w213U

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. I usually wait more time before updating the blog again, however, I wanted to give a quick update before things start to get chaotic.

Madeline's surgery is FINALLY scheduled for this Friday, November 8th (Happy Birthday, Dad!). When she met with her new ENT two weeks ago, he mentioned she has fluid in both ears and not only will she get tubes put back in, she will be getting her tonsils and adenoids removed. Because she is under 3 years old, she will have to stay in the hospital over night, a place that I'm not very fond of, but am quite aware why it is important.

Madeline is on week 3 of a cold. There were some fun *insert sarcasm here* moments of this cold, but I am thankful that today was the first day in four that she hasn't had a fever. I will tell you though, it really is heart breaking hearing your daughter in the middle of the night unable to breathe through her nose in addition to having apnea. The surgery will take care of this so I am crossing my fingers that on Friday that Madeline's cold has subsided enough that the surgery will take place.

Other happenings that will be going on this month is Madeline's birthday (November 16th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.), Madeline's actual birthday, Thanksgiving, and multiple doctor appointments for Madeline and myself throughout the month. I am hoping I will be able to update before December with birthday pictures, etc. however, I can't guarantee it.

I also wanted to say congratulations to Nissa on the birth of her son, Austin! The family is elated and cannot wait to see pictures.

The butterfly enjoying a Halloween party at the Little Gym.

Madeline attending her second Halloween party at Will's work.

After her fever broke, Madeline was able to go to a few places around the neighborhood for trick-or-treating.

Madeline with her dear friend, Grace. 

This is a tree in our front yard. 

Gorgeous!

Love!

Oh me, Oh my!

It has been way too long since I've updated our blog. The past two months, have flown by. Will and I have had a rough time coming up with potential places to move after Charlottesville. We finally narrowed it down to 5 and when Will met with the personnel consultant, she basically dismissed all 5 choices. It will be quite interesting where our adventure will take us next. We will know officially by December 20th. In the meantime, we have met awesome friends here and absolutely adore the city we are living in. It will be very difficult when it will be time to leave (around May-June'ish).

The best way to finish updating what has been happening is through pictures!

Please don't forget Madeline's birthday party will be celebrated November 16th. You are all invited. It will be a tight fit in our house, but the good news is we are a very friendly bunch. :)

Enjoying the Children's Museum in Cville.

Madeline had to play with the bucket because Snow White used the bucket. 

Awesome tree at Monticello. 

Madeline playing bubbles with Grandpop. 

House warming party. Cha cha cha!

First day of preschool. She absolutely loves it.

First day of soccer practice. It is the cutest thing ever. She will continue playing on the same team in the spring. 

One of the many awesome activities at soccer. 

Apple picking.

Will had to snag this amazing apple picker tool. 

It's serious, y'all. 

Apple and pumpkin picking in Winchester.  

She preferred to push. 

Josh helping his cousin up. 

Madeline's first time bowling. Can you believe they had shoes her size?  

My beautiful family celebrating my mom's 70th birthday. 

I absolutely love this picture. 

My gorgeous cousins, Lindsay and Bailey, from Texas came to visit.